Sunday, September 12, 2010

Excerpts from Atlanta

Going back to visit an old hometown usually means visiting with family and friends, and perhaps revisiting a list of favorite spots or must have meals. We spent most of our time on a recent visit to Atlanta catching up with old friends, making for a great trip. We did have to get a couple of those meals in too...a Vortex cheeseburger (or in my case sweet potato tater tots), a cheesy Mexican meal at El Azteca and breakfast food at The Flying Biscuit (best grits!).

But one of my favorite spots is always downtown Decatur. Reminds me a bit of home-Dunedin, FL. Cute downtown, fun festivals, diverse people--hometown feel but never boring. We had a great dinner at The Corner Pub and strolled around the square, where you can get everything from sushi to BBQ to locally brewed beer.

Even though we didn't do much "sightseeing" we found a surprising gem right near my friend's house in Sandy Springs. In a little strip mall above the visitors center, the city hosts "Anne Frank in the World", an exhibit of photos and information about Anne Frank, her life and persecution under the Nazis. It is a small exhibit but worth seeing. It is open every day but Monday, but hours are limited so check before you go. They have little slips of paper with diary quotes as remembrance of your visit. Mine reads: "Mother Nature makes me humble and prepared to face every blow courageously.". Anne had tremendous wisdom for her age, gained from enduring challenges that no child (or anyone) should.

All together a great visit, thanks especially to the hospitality of good friends.